Passers-by helped officers to aid of distressed woman above A21

Life-saving efforts by members of the public and police have been honoured after a distressed woman was helped to safety from a road bridge near Tunbridge Wells.

On 3 October 2024, Sarah Evans and Sophie Hart, noticed the woman stood on the wrong side of railings on a walkway above the A21.

They engaged with her whilst calmly relaying information on a 999 call, ensuring officers were able to rapidly attend.

Highly pressured situation

PC Sean Kavanagh and a colleague arrived and were eventually able to safely reach the woman and pull her to safety.

At a recent West Kent Divisional Commander’s Awards ceremony, all four were recognised for their ‘selfless efforts in extremely challenging circumstances’.

Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon said:

‘Sophie and Sarah showed tremendous humanity towards this clearly distressed woman and should be incredibly proud for remaining calm and supportive, whilst the officers’ decisive and brave actions thankfully also prevented any tragic circumstances.’

Chief Supt Loudon was joined by the Kent High Sheriff, Dr Gillian Fargher and MP Katie Lam, as he presented a total of 52 commendations.

The ceremony was held at the Kent Police College and also included recognition of officers for their ‘professionalism, endeavour and dedication’ in protecting women from violent and sexual offenders.

Protecting women and confronting violence

One case involved a victim stalked by a man online and who sent her grossly offensive sexual images of himself.

An investigation supervised by Sergeant Natalie Waller included the review of vast amounts of digital data and identified multiple other potential victims. 

Officers secured irrefutable evidence to hold the suspect to account and protect others from being targeted.

In November 2024, Andrew Bloomfield was sentenced to more than four years in prison, after convictions for stalking against two of the victims. 

Other Divisional Commander Awards included: 

• An extensive and complex team investigation, including DC Andy Julier and DC Celia King, which oversaw more than 24 hours of continuous enquiries to secure evidence against Cameron Jeffrey. Jeffrey was responsible for a series of knifepoint robberies in Staplehurst, Cranbrook and Hawkhurst and was jailed in December 2024 for almost five years.

• PC Gareth Salter and PC Butler, who were commended for their bravery In November 2024, when they confronted and tackled two burglars armed with crowbars at a supermarket in New Ash Green.
• Recognition of two Tunbridge Wells officers, including PC Scott Morgan, who on 21 July 2024 attended a disturbance at a flat in Upper Grosvenor Road, where they were met by a man armed with a knife and who was holding a victim hostage. Entry was successfully gained by the officers who were able to disarm and arrest the suspect and ensure the victim came to no harm.
• PC Daniel Carroll, a probationary officer who managed a crime scene of an attempted murder linked to a house party in Maidstone. Despite more than 70 people being present, PC Carroll also carried out fast track enquiries which led to him swiftly identifying and arresting a suspect.

Chief Supt Loudon added:

‘Being on the front line means having to be courageous, selfless, and highly professional, qualities which officers demonstrate in abundance on a daily basis. 'It is important we recognise the dedication to duty shown by our colleagues in confronting danger and protecting the public. They deserve admiration for their brave actions, and I know they have it from me, and the majority of the public that supports our police officers and staff in the work they do.’

Vital role of PCSOs

The role of community teams, including PCSOs, in responding to concerns around antisocial behaviour was also recognised.

Chief Supt Loudon spoke of successes achieved by Maidstone beat officers, who in partnership with the borough council had achieved significant reductions in crime and reports of antisocial behaviour in the town centre and surrounding area.

PCSO Sarah Stanley was also praised for her commitment and dedication in supporting young people in Tunbridge Wells.

Chief Supt Loudon said:

‘PCSO Stanley constantly seeks innovative ways to shine a spotlight on some of the threats and dangers children may face in their daily lives. She has a rapport with young people and is fiercely dedicated in support of their education and wellbeing. 'By also engaging closely with our partners and the wider community PCSO Stanley's willingness to go above and beyond ultimately helps us to reduce crime and the risk of harm to others.’